Types of seizures

A. Generalized seizures - appears to involve both hemispheres of the brain

can have LOC; bilateral motor findings

can be convulsive or nonconvulsive (absence)

B. Partial seizures - appears limited to part of 1 hemisphere in brain

1. Simple partial seizures

NO LOC; patient may remember the event well

aura and déjà-vu

2. Partial seizures with secondary generalization

LOC and tonic-clonic activity

3. Complex partial seizures

LOC; can have aura

Motor automatisms (e.g chewing, swallowing, sucking)

Sometimes have bilateral motor findings

Anti-epileptic Drugs

1st line monoRx -->failed --> recheck the Dx and try 2nd line monoRx; slowly withdraw the 1st one until the 2nd one is well established

1. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
2. Oxcarbazepine, Eslicarbazepine
3. Sodium Valproate (Epilim)
4. Phenytoin (Dilantin)